Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-11-04

man of the committee of commerce and in
his last congressional term was chairman Of
the committee on appropriations, besides
serving ns member of other important com
mittees During the war he was a leading
friend of the Union, and he it was who
suggested Col u S. Grant of Galena as a
worthy officer to be made Brigadier General
by President Lincoln. Afterward Mr.
Washburne was instrumental in framing
and passing the bill that made U. S. Grant
n Lieutenant General and subsequently
General of the Armies of the United States
When the leader of the armies subsequently
became President he made Mr. Washburne
Secretary of State, and the latter. in defer
ence to the wish of his friend resigned his
congressional position to take up the duties
of the cabinet department. But the posi-
ton was retained only few weeks, owing
to impaired health and then the ex Secre-
tary was appointed by President Grant
Minister to France. The new ambassador
to the French nation reached France at
critical time, at the very verge Of the
Franco -Prussan war. When notice of the
declaration of war was received at Berlin
Court Bismark directed the German Charge
D'Affaires 10 turn over the archives of the
Embassy of the North German Confedera-
ister Washburne receiving from his home
Government an approval for such step,
communicated with the French Govern
ment to learn to what extent he could Sc
cure protection and free conduct out of
France for those Germans who desired to
leave. This was an important action that
did much TO establish precedent for future
emergencies of that kind. Soon after this
step was taken the French expelled the
Germans from France, and in the days Of
that exodus the American legation gave
passes to 30, 600 Germans and pecunary
assistance TO nearly half that number, for
the men and women were obliged TO leave
the homes and business they had built up
In short Mr.. Washburne acted as the rep
rcsentative of Germany as well as Of the
United States during those trying times
and his services to German citizens in Paris
have become matter of history. a large
number Of the subjects of Emperor William
were thrown into prison, and these Mr.
Washburne attended to, making rightful
applications for releases that we're at his
request, promptly granted. So great was
his success that other nationalities applied
also for the protection of the American lie
cation.
For these services, Mr.. Washburne, after
Emperor William at Berlin and the gift of
au oil portrait of his majesty. But the
Franco Prussian war had scarcely conclud-
ed when the war of the commune precipi-
tated another siege, with still greater hor
rors. 1t was at his own request that Mr..
| Washburne returned home after serving
nearly nine years in France
Mr.. Washburne's name was several times
mentioned for candidacy for the Presidency,
and in 1880 he received A votes for the
nomination, the number having gradually
increased until the tide turned in Garfield S
| favor He had Of late years followed the
life of private citizen, enjoying especially
literary pursuits, aud his recent articles on
| Paris during the Commune, published in
! Scribner's Monthly. have been most in
tercsting by reason Of their "reminiscences
and his own ability to narrate them. Mr..
Washburne's honors in public life were de
servedly won, and his career may well be
! held up as an example for American youth.